CLEARFIELD – After back-to-back public hearings, Lawrence Township Supervisors approved one Zoning Conditional Use for timbering and another for light manufacturing.
One resident raised concerns for the Zoning Conditional Use for Light Manufacturing on whether restrictions can be placed on Conditional Use grants, such as for noise or hours of operation.
Solicitor James Naddeo noted that granting conditional use conveys the placement of “reasonable” restrictions for issues, such as noise. However, Naddeo noted, “reasonable” is a variable, based on ones interpretation of what is reasonable.
He pointed out that what might be considered unreasonable to a resident adjacent to a conditional use zoned facility or operation might be considered within reason in a court.
Naddeo said if restrictions are to be placed for a conditional use, it is best to be as specific as possible in defining the restrictions. He also noted that any restrictions needed to be included in the approval for the conditional use, because it is not something that could be changed or added afterwards. He added that restrictions on hours of operation or noise are not out of the question.
The resident also asked if there is a need in the township for places for light industry to locate, and suggested that shovel-ready locations for light industry may be something that should be developed in the township.
Cliff Reed, an owner of Reed Ventures LLC, applied for the Conditional Use for Light Manufacturing to place a Hydro-Spray manufacturing and service facility on his property at 15658 Rockton Mountain Hwy., U.S. Route 322. The site is currently zoned as Commercial Highway District.
Reed said the normal operating hours for the light manufacturing business will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with some weekend hours. He pointed out that 20 percent of his business will be based on location, as he will have walk-in customers, plus he will be providing maintenance and repair service for car wash facilities, which could be anytime, but would be off site.
Code Enforcement Officer Debra Finkbeiner pointed out that the township does have an ordinance in place, namely Zoning Code #125-8{34} which defines Light Manufacturing as:
The assembly, fabrication, manufacture, production, processing, storage and or wholesale distribution of goods or products where no process involved will produce noise, light, vibration, air pollution, fire hazard, or emissions, noxious or dangerous to neighboring properties within 400 feet.
It was agreed that the zoning code provides a means for restricting the conditional use for the Hydro-Spray facility.
The supervisors approved the Zoning Conditional Use for Light Manufacturing for Reed Ventures LLC with the restriction on the hours of operation for the manufacturing part of the business to be between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., and no restrictions on hours for service work.
The supervisors approved the Conditional Use for Timbering for 37.23 acres owned by Mary Sellers on Flegal Road. The property is currently zoned Rural Agriculture District. Walker Lumber Co. will be timbering the tract, with access from Flegal Road. Walker Lumber will be responsible for maintaining the road conditions during their operation.
The supervisors heard from resident William Troy regarding issues on his property on Bowman Hill. The supervisors agreed to have the stormwater drains cleared to reduce stormwater running from the roadway onto the Troy property.
Supervisor Ed Brown noted the township has slated Bowman Hill Road for major improvements with the aid of Community Development Block Grant funds, but it may be another three to four years before the project is funded.
Roadmaster Ron Woodling reported that he received a second request for a “School Bus Stop” sign at Glen Richey; this one for Whiskey Hill.
Supervisor Chairman William Lawhead noted both locations are state roads. The supervisors agreed to forward the requests to PennDOT for permits to place the signs according to PennDOT specifications.
Woodling presented a second request from Raymond Graham for placement of a fire hydrant on Lewis Road. Lawhead said Graham must contact Pike Township Municipal Authority, as they provide service to that area.
Secretary Barb Shaffner reported the resignation of Chris Rowles from the Clearfield Municipal Authority, effective Sept. 14. The supervisors agreed to accept the resignation, with their appreciation for Rowles’ many years of “excellent service” on the authority, and approved to advertise to fill the vacancy.
Shaffner also reported receiving the township’s health insurance renewal, with only a 5 percent increase in premiums for the next year.
The supervisors also approved:
- Payment of invoice for paving projects to HRI Inc. in the amount of $1,030,053, using $913,865 remaining from a Clearfield Bank & Trust loan, and the remaining balance of $116,188 to be paid using Act 13 funds and township reserve funds.
- To purchase an I-Com 2-way radio system from PA Communications, Philipsburg for $16,085
- Drawdown of CDBG grant funds of $272, payable to the project engineers, Stiffler McGraw & Associates Inc.
- Trick-or-treat schedule to be the same as Clearfield Borough, proposed to be Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. – 8 pm.